The Classic Sale at Silverstone 26th & 27th August 2022

112 The Classic Sale at Silverstone - Cars Registration: TBA Chassis No.: 460-180 Estimate: £60,000 - £80,000 Lot 429 1948 Bristol 400 Imitation is said to be the most sincere form of flattery, however, it seems a little unlikely that BMW’s engineers felt particularly gratified when the Bristol Car Company obtained the rights to their automotive designs as part of Germany’s post-WW2 reparations. Although there was undoubtedly a significant input from the bright aeronautical engineers at Bristol, the 400, which commenced production in 1947, was effectively a synthesis of three pre-war BMW designs, with a chassis derived from that of the 326, an engine from the 328 sports car and an aerodynamic bodyshell similar to that of the 327 coupé. The 400’s aerodynamically efficient body was constructed of steel panels on a wooden frame, with the doors, bonnet and boot-lid skinned in aluminium. Beneath the skin, the chassis boasted independent front suspension by single upper wishbones and lower transverse leaf-springs, whilst torsion bars located within the chassis members controlled the live rear axle. Contrasting with the exterior’s modern appearance, the traditional wood-embellished interior was reminiscent of an earlier age. In total, 474 Bristol 400s were made between 1947 and 1950 with, it’s believed, around 120 still on the road. Dating from 1948, chassis number #460-180, on offer here, is indeed one of those original cars. It has recently benefitted from a full bodywork refurbishment with any corrosion and rust being fully addressed and removed prior to being finished to a very high standard in a lovely shade of light metallic green (an Aston Martin colour we believe possibly California Sage). The interior has been refurbished with the same attention to detail as the bodywork and looks simply spectacular in fresh Biscuit hide piped in Chocolate with matching door cards, headlining and a new carpet. The wooden dash has been removed and refinished, all instrumentation is period and in good working order and a full tool kit is in its appointed place in a box in the engine bay. The boot has also benefitted from all this attention and looks splendid with new Cinnamon carpets edged in Chocolate. For over a decade, this lovely 400 has been the property of a well known Morgan dealer’s family and has been properly looked after and fettled as required to a far higher standard than one might expect from less fastidious owners. In our vendor’s words “You simply have to drive it to experience how good the taut handling is and how well the motor pulls though the lovely synchromesh gear box. It feels more like 1970 than 1948.” Mille Miglia eligible, this car would make a stylish, fast and comfortable entrant to the famed event. This is undoubtedly the best example of a 400 we have seen and, although prepared to a show standard, JYM II remains a practical and versatile post-war classic. An older restoration to a show standard, this delightful 400 would make a fast and stylish entry in next year’s Mille Miglia. More Details Lot 429 Bid On Lot 429